PITTSBURGH — The boos from Penguins fans were like music to David Steckel's ears.

The big center, acquired in the Feb. 28 with Washington for Jason Arnott, had gone 15 games without scoring a goal or a point for the Devils until tonight at the Consol Energy Center. So he was relieved to finally score a goal.

"It would've been nicer in a win but it's good to come in here and contribute on the score sheet," Steckel said after the 4-2 loss to the Penguins. "It's just nice to look at something and see yourself contribute other than little things."

He is not a favorite of Pittsburgh fans, of course, because of his Jan. 1 hit on Sidney Crosby. The Penguins captain, who was also hit by Tampa Bay's Victor Hedman a few days later, has missed 39 games with a concussion.

"They have great fans so I don't expect anything less," Steckel said.

The Devils, who also got Washington's second-round draft pick in 2012 in the Arnott deal, were hoping for more offense from Steckel.

"You have to get the puck," coach Jacques Lemaire said. "I couldn't see if he could score or not because he never had the puck around the net. Today he did and he scored."

Steckel said these final games are important to him even though the Devils will miss the playoffs. He said they are not difficult to play.

"For me personally, no. I can't speak for anyone else," he said, "but we're a competitive group. I feel like I'm still trying to prove something here to New Jersey. So I play every game like it's my last.

"There have been no issues or signs in the locker room from guys, 'Let's just get it over.' Too much pride for that in here."

He admitted it is tough to see the Capitals going to the playoffs and not the Devils.

"Yes, it's a new thing for me," he said. "First time in my career I haven't been in the playoffs. But (a few players) in this organization are in the same position I'm in, so I'm definitely not alone in that regard. You realize you never want to be in this position again."